Method and apparatus for presenting two and three-dimensional computer applications within a 3D meta-visualization

Abstract

A method and apparatus for organizing two and / or three-dimensional computer applications on a display in a three-dimensional viewing perspective. A two-dimensional bitmap is created for each respective computer application and applied to a three-dimensional geometry (i.e., primitive). In one embodiment, the three-dimensional geometry is a cube and each respective computer application is mapped onto a respective surface of the cube. The computer user has the ability to manipulate the orientation of the cube, via a computer mouse, for example, to view the different surfaces, and, thus, different computer applications mapped thereon. The user is further given the capability to manipulate or interact with each computer application on each respective surface of the cube. In another embodiment, two or more cubes could be employed for displaying the various computer applications running on the computer's processor. The user could also allocate a particular group or category of applications to each respective cube to accomplish different tasks.

Description

1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates generally to computer system applications, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for presenting two and three-dimensional computer applications in a 3D meta-visualization for organizing the display of such applications.2. Description of the Related ArtSince the inception of personal computers, the sophistication of their processors has increased significantly. Initially, personal computers were typically limited to running only one computer application at a time, thus severely limiting the computer user's ability to perform multiple computer tasks in an efficient manner. However, with the increase in the sophistication of these processors, today's personal computers are able to run a multitude of computer applications simultaneously (i.e., multi-task), thus significantly increasing the productivity of the computer user.To manage the vast number of computer applications running simultaneously, the personal computers o...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Initially, personal computers were typically limited to running only one computer application at a time, thus severely limiting the computer user's ability to perform multiple computer tasks in an efficient manner.

Although the current Windows.RTM. environment aids the computer user to manage a plurality of computer applications to some extent, it suffers from disadvantages as well.

This process of "shuffling" the windows 110 can be burdensome and time consuming to the user, thereby decreasing their efficiency in performing a particular computer task.

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